First reading 1 Corinthians 2:10-16
The Spirit reaches even the depths of God
The Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God. After all, the depths of a man can only be known by his own spirit, not by any other man, and in the same way the depths of God can only be known by the Spirit of God. Now instead of the spirit of the world, we have received the Spirit that comes from God, to teach us to understand the gifts that he has given us. Therefore we teach, not in the way in which philosophy is taught, but in the way that the Spirit teaches us: we teach spiritual things spiritually. An unspiritual person is one who does not accept anything of the Spirit of God: he sees it all as nonsense; it is beyond his understanding because it can only be understood by means of the Spirit. A spiritual man, on the other hand, is able to judge the value of everything, and his own value is not to be judged by other men. As scripture says: Who can know the mind of the Lord, so who can teach him? But we are those who have the mind of Christ.
Responsorial Psalm 144(145):8-14
Gospel Luke 4:31-37
‘I know who you are: the Holy One of God’
Jesus went down to Capernaum, a town in Galilee, and taught them on the sabbath. And his teaching made a deep impression on them because he spoke with authority.
In the synagogue there was a man who was possessed by the spirit of an unclean devil, and it shouted at the top of its voice, ‘Ha! What do you want with us, Jesus of Nazareth? Have you come to destroy us? I know who you are: the Holy One of God.’ But Jesus said sharply, ‘Be quiet! Come out of him!’ And the devil, throwing the man down in front of everyone, went out of him without hurting him at all. Astonishment seized them and they were all saying to one another, ‘What teaching! He gives orders to unclean spirits with authority and power and they come out.’ And reports of him went all through the surrounding countryside.
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Knowing The Depth Of God
In today’s first reading, St Paul states, “The Spirit reaches the depths of everything, even the depths of God.” The Holy Spirit fully knows the heart, mind, and plans of God. Out of love, God gives us the gift of His Spirit every day so that we may understand the depth of His love and mercy for us – things that human logic and reasoning alone cannot uncover or comprehend. The Spirit opens our hearts, allowing us to look beyond surface appearances, fear, distractions and worldly values in order to encounter God. This encounter enables us to experience the relationship He desires with us, so that we can live in the fullness of His grace and love.
In the Gospel, the people who listened to Jesus were amazed because He taught with authority. His words had the power to heal and bring freedom to others. Today, we are invited to trust in the powerful Word of Jesus, which can bring us life, restoration, and hope. While life is full of struggles and difficulties that we cannot avoid, we find security in Jesus, who offers us His presence during these challenges.
Reflective question:
Do I invite the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts, decisions, and relationships, and do I believe that Christ’s Word still has power in my life today?
Acknowledgment: Reflections are based on “Prayer for Living: The Word of God for Daily Prayer Year A” by Sr Maria Jose FMVD
